Hi Im Rafael from Mexico, I have a B.A. in ELT and above 600 points in TOEFL, first of all I thank you for your sincerity about what you're experimenting in Japan, I recomend you to suscribe to some English teachers web pages like "Teacher English magazine" which is an Argentinian publication, this is gona help you due several teachers around Latin America publishes their lesson plans including material such as flash cards and games.
@tranquilocomoelcielo This video is pretty old. I eventually got a job teaching English and picked it up pretty quickly. I got sick of the low pay and long hours and moved back to Canada though!
so true. if you are a native speaker it does not mean you are the expert of your primary language. which is why people still continue to misspell words, or still cannot create a functioning sentence.
with this second interview they just threw you into the fire - lol.
Haha I had the exact same conversation with one of my japanese friends last weekend. I was very confusing for her too trying to explain how no can mean yes.
Also I teach here, but I did come over with a degree, so that makes all the difference I suppose. I didn't have any type of advanced grammar test ect to take. Thankfully I just took a really simple grammar and spelling test, apparently I passed haha.
It's great your working on it though, keep at it man and good luck to you ^^
My goal is to teach English in japan thank for the vid.
I'm currently in college i would love to go to japan and start my career as soon as i graduate, any advice on how can i get jobs opportunity in japan as a English teacher
Yeah there are many ways to become an English teacher. You could apply for the JET program which is nice for new graduates because they set everything up for you in Japan (apartment, visa, etc). If you want to work for a private company many hire only from overseas. The biggest thing is if you are flexible about where you want to teach it will be a lot easier to find a job. If you are just looking in Tokyo or Osaka, it may be more difficult as there is more competition.
Also TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificates help a little bit. Even if you do a cheap online course you will feel a little more confident. They aren't necessary though.
Another thing is that lots of companies will only list jobs on their own webpages or may not even say they are looking. Just apply to any school regardless and you will eventually get a bite.
Hi Ikaramashu, I noticed you're from Puerto Rico. One thing I caution about teaching in Japan is they learn Americanized English, so they frown on words like colour or other minor cultural word differences (according to "myargonauts"). I'm not sure if Puerto Rico has anything like that.
Advanced grammar is good, but basic grammar is essential. I noticed spelling mistakes in your post. I'd get into the habit of typing good English. JET employs people all over the world, so I'd research them =).
I've been here 5 years teaching English, studying Japanese...but now my longtime girlfriend isn't satisfied with me just being an English teacher and she wants me to find some career. I hope I figure it out, but I don't know what else I can do here. I am scared to go back to Canada and try to figure it out over there again. I have been with her for 5 years...she is Japanese.
I don't know if I responded to this or not. If you learned some Japanese I'm sure you could find a different line of work. If not then your only option is to move to Canada. Lots of jobs in Alberta right now. I miss my six figure salary, that's all I can say.
I feel teaching mother tongue is sometimes difficult. When we speak, we don't have to care about little things like grammar or something. But Japanese tend to stick with grammar too much. I think that's why we can't speak English.
Grammar isn't that bad. You use it every day without thinking. Grammar is just something that we came up with to call the parts of our speech. You just need to learn how to explain it by understanding the parts of speech that you say and WHY you say them.
It depends. My last job as a power engineer I had what is called a BDI interview. Known as a behavior descriptive interview. First I had to spend 2 hours writing psychology tests, which are sent to a psychologist to see if you are the type of person they want. Then the interview they ask you lots of questions like "describe a time when you had to work with a person you didn't like" , "describe a time when you displayed empathy at work". So, it can be tough there too!
Yeah, if you are planning to move to Japan you can prepare differently. I never planned to move to Japan, but here I am! I'll find a job, and if not I can always go find a sweet job in Canada doing what I did before. I don't think my wife will allow that option though!
i always related 'do you mind if..' questions with 'would it be too much trouble if..' ... because in both these questions you would answer, 'no, not at all.' for a positive response. and i think japanese can relate to the word 'trouble' because it's similar to the japanese question 'gomeiwaku desu ka?' in this case, the answer is 'meiwaku ja arimasen (a negative form with a positive answer)' errrr as far as i know anyway.
Is it important to know grammar? Usually Japanese people who attend English schools want a native speaker to talk to. Usually they already know grammar and vocabulary, but need someone to practice conversation and pronunciation.
Well it isn't that I don't know grammar, it's more that I don't know how to explain it if asked by a would be student. There are different schools and different needs that people have. Some people need to learn grammar. I don't take formal Japanese lessons yet, but when I do I'll have grammatical questions, and I'll expect them to be answered. A student of English should expect just as much.
practical english books actually explain grammar in a more mathematical way. i hated grammar, but after studying english i kinda figured it was like math. course i hated math, too, but for some reason i was good at it. ... oh yea... way to beat the stereotype, asian girl.. anyway, you'll find a job soon, i'm sure. english or non-related.
You seem to have a good idea with getting the online certification. Once you get that....then a gig....then save up a bit and get the CELTA. That might be a wise option.
Do you plan on being in Japan long term or short term?
At this time we have no plans to return to Canada. My wife has lived there before, so I can't fool her about winter not being that bad!
I appreciate advice from someone who has been working in the field as long as you have. I would definitely take the CELTA if this became my career. I may go back into power plant operation one day when I'm fluent in Japanese though.
That sucks, but rejection is part of the game, don't take it personally! My TEFL course is giving me some confidence. Teaching English is a little more intimidating than I expected.
With all your experience you will be back to the grind in no time!
"it just is" is often the correct answer. :)
lamaddussa 2 months ago
How did you get to Japan without a job? D:
xXFlyleafXx 5 months ago
im sure you could teach better then others anyway
TVBartSki 7 months ago
Hi Im Rafael from Mexico, I have a B.A. in ELT and above 600 points in TOEFL, first of all I thank you for your sincerity about what you're experimenting in Japan, I recomend you to suscribe to some English teachers web pages like "Teacher English magazine" which is an Argentinian publication, this is gona help you due several teachers around Latin America publishes their lesson plans including material such as flash cards and games.
tranquilocomoelcielo 1 year ago
@tranquilocomoelcielo This video is pretty old. I eventually got a job teaching English and picked it up pretty quickly. I got sick of the low pay and long hours and moved back to Canada though!
RisuMiso 1 year ago
haha i'm german. SOO i had to learn all this englisch grammer stuff..
RockGodFuck 1 year ago
so true. if you are a native speaker it does not mean you are the expert of your primary language. which is why people still continue to misspell words, or still cannot create a functioning sentence.
with this second interview they just threw you into the fire - lol.
but it's great that you handled yourself well.
JJuliet 1 year ago
Haha I had the exact same conversation with one of my japanese friends last weekend. I was very confusing for her too trying to explain how no can mean yes.
Also I teach here, but I did come over with a degree, so that makes all the difference I suppose. I didn't have any type of advanced grammar test ect to take. Thankfully I just took a really simple grammar and spelling test, apparently I passed haha.
It's great your working on it though, keep at it man and good luck to you ^^
ichibahn4 2 years ago
This is an old video! I have a teaching job now! Thanks though!
The Japanese also get their revenge with the endless amount of confusing things in their language.
RisuMiso 2 years ago
Oh haha, well omedetou then
Yes it does... yes.. it does lol
ichibahn4 2 years ago
My goal is to teach English in japan thank for the vid.
I'm currently in college i would love to go to japan and start my career as soon as i graduate, any advice on how can i get jobs opportunity in japan as a English teacher
ikaramashu 2 years ago
Yeah there are many ways to become an English teacher. You could apply for the JET program which is nice for new graduates because they set everything up for you in Japan (apartment, visa, etc). If you want to work for a private company many hire only from overseas. The biggest thing is if you are flexible about where you want to teach it will be a lot easier to find a job. If you are just looking in Tokyo or Osaka, it may be more difficult as there is more competition.
RisuMiso 2 years ago
Also TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificates help a little bit. Even if you do a cheap online course you will feel a little more confident. They aren't necessary though.
Another thing is that lots of companies will only list jobs on their own webpages or may not even say they are looking. Just apply to any school regardless and you will eventually get a bite.
Good luck!
RisuMiso 2 years ago
Thanks a bunch for your time bro =]
I'll look into it
ikaramashu 2 years ago
No problem!
RisuMiso 2 years ago
Hi Ikaramashu, I noticed you're from Puerto Rico. One thing I caution about teaching in Japan is they learn Americanized English, so they frown on words like colour or other minor cultural word differences (according to "myargonauts"). I'm not sure if Puerto Rico has anything like that.
Advanced grammar is good, but basic grammar is essential. I noticed spelling mistakes in your post. I'd get into the habit of typing good English. JET employs people all over the world, so I'd research them =).
RelVleDy 1 year ago
how did you meet your wife and how long have you been together
RebornGin 2 years ago
Japanese people LOVE grammar, they stick into grammar only.
Uuugh, I hate grammar!
ulmo 2 years ago
How old are you ? between 19 to 25 ?
Anyway it must have been a great decision to move to Japan :D
gla300 2 years ago
I'm 28. It's so so here. I like it, but I would prefer to live in Canada due to my previous work and education. But Japan is pretty cool too.
RisuMiso 2 years ago
I've been here 5 years teaching English, studying Japanese...but now my longtime girlfriend isn't satisfied with me just being an English teacher and she wants me to find some career. I hope I figure it out, but I don't know what else I can do here. I am scared to go back to Canada and try to figure it out over there again. I have been with her for 5 years...she is Japanese.
250mxrider 2 years ago
I don't know if I responded to this or not. If you learned some Japanese I'm sure you could find a different line of work. If not then your only option is to move to Canada. Lots of jobs in Alberta right now. I miss my six figure salary, that's all I can say.
RisuMiso 2 years ago
Why don't you tell your gf that teaching English is indeed a career... it really is.
I've been teaching English for five years too and it's not as easy as it may look.
As RisuMiso said, it's hard to explain grammar when you never studied it.
I've taught English and Spanish and I never studied the grammatical rules of any of them, however, teaching helps you learning.
Currently I'm taking and MA in TEFL... so teaching languages is indeed a career
=D
hcanairda 2 years ago
I feel teaching mother tongue is sometimes difficult. When we speak, we don't have to care about little things like grammar or something. But Japanese tend to stick with grammar too much. I think that's why we can't speak English.
adakkochan 2 years ago
I also got my Obon video up if you want to check it out!
Japanesemusicforall 2 years ago
will do
RisuMiso 2 years ago
Fack I dont like English. I would love to teach when Im older but ughh I hate all the gramatical areas. Thanks for the heads up.
Vreugdian 2 years ago
Grammar isn't that bad. You use it every day without thinking. Grammar is just something that we came up with to call the parts of our speech. You just need to learn how to explain it by understanding the parts of speech that you say and WHY you say them.
RisuMiso 2 years ago
I still dont like it :(
Vreugdian 2 years ago
Haha, yeah I hear ya.
RisuMiso 2 years ago
that sounded like a rough interview! its different than in Canada! thanx for the insight!
brokenchopstickz 2 years ago
It depends. My last job as a power engineer I had what is called a BDI interview. Known as a behavior descriptive interview. First I had to spend 2 hours writing psychology tests, which are sent to a psychologist to see if you are the type of person they want. Then the interview they ask you lots of questions like "describe a time when you had to work with a person you didn't like" , "describe a time when you displayed empathy at work". So, it can be tough there too!
RisuMiso 2 years ago
Man, seemed like a pretty rough interview.
Thanks for posting this btw, it gives me a good idea on what I need to focus on in college to help me make it to Japan.
You'll find a job, it may take some time but if you want it bad enough, it will happen!
reaper4255 2 years ago
Yeah, if you are planning to move to Japan you can prepare differently. I never planned to move to Japan, but here I am! I'll find a job, and if not I can always go find a sweet job in Canada doing what I did before. I don't think my wife will allow that option though!
RisuMiso 2 years ago
no, i will post a comment.
But really i'm with you there. we got to keep our head up. I hope you find something soon.
BTW VLOG MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
APOKALYPSE34 2 years ago
Thanks Apokalypse! I'm tired of saving my yennies, I want to spend em!
I'll maybe vlog more, it's easier than editing videos of events and stuff.
RisuMiso 2 years ago
i always related 'do you mind if..' questions with 'would it be too much trouble if..' ... because in both these questions you would answer, 'no, not at all.' for a positive response. and i think japanese can relate to the word 'trouble' because it's similar to the japanese question 'gomeiwaku desu ka?' in this case, the answer is 'meiwaku ja arimasen (a negative form with a positive answer)' errrr as far as i know anyway.
shotamerican 2 years ago
Thanks for the tip! Maybe somethings are better explained in Japanese.
RisuMiso 2 years ago
Good luck in your job, man! I hope you get it.
Is it important to know grammar? Usually Japanese people who attend English schools want a native speaker to talk to. Usually they already know grammar and vocabulary, but need someone to practice conversation and pronunciation.
hcm9999 2 years ago
Well it isn't that I don't know grammar, it's more that I don't know how to explain it if asked by a would be student. There are different schools and different needs that people have. Some people need to learn grammar. I don't take formal Japanese lessons yet, but when I do I'll have grammatical questions, and I'll expect them to be answered. A student of English should expect just as much.
Thanks for the luck, I need it!
RisuMiso 2 years ago
practical english books actually explain grammar in a more mathematical way. i hated grammar, but after studying english i kinda figured it was like math. course i hated math, too, but for some reason i was good at it. ... oh yea... way to beat the stereotype, asian girl.. anyway, you'll find a job soon, i'm sure. english or non-related.
shotamerican 2 years ago
Haha, thanks!
RisuMiso 2 years ago
You seem to have a good idea with getting the online certification. Once you get that....then a gig....then save up a bit and get the CELTA. That might be a wise option.
Do you plan on being in Japan long term or short term?
BusanKevin 2 years ago
At this time we have no plans to return to Canada. My wife has lived there before, so I can't fool her about winter not being that bad!
I appreciate advice from someone who has been working in the field as long as you have. I would definitely take the CELTA if this became my career. I may go back into power plant operation one day when I'm fluent in Japanese though.
RisuMiso 2 years ago
I am scared to teach english. I am trying to teach an african boy at my work.
crazyjoehambone 2 years ago
I hear ya, I think it becomes pretty non-scary once you get some experience.
RisuMiso 2 years ago
The TEFL sounds like the way to go man...stick with it you'll get get there : )
MicknFumi 2 years ago
Thanks!
RisuMiso 2 years ago
I took TESL/TEFL/etc certification and also a course in "Teaching TOEFL Preparation."
It definitely helped me become more aware of the responsibilities of an English teaching job.
Good luck to all of us in search of jobs :)
secretjustin 2 years ago
I got my first rejection today - so I feel for ya. Stick with it - you'll get something soon. :)
myargonauts 2 years ago
That sucks, but rejection is part of the game, don't take it personally! My TEFL course is giving me some confidence. Teaching English is a little more intimidating than I expected.
With all your experience you will be back to the grind in no time!
RisuMiso 2 years ago
more vloging ;p
fullcopercover 2 years ago
I know, I must be sick or something!
RisuMiso 2 years ago